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Maratha Forts in UNESCO Listing
Context:
UNESCO inscribed the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’—12 forts showcasing Maratha military ingenuity—on the World Heritage List, earning national recognition
What was Inscribed?
- Maratha Military Landscapes of India
- Components: 12 forts – 11 in Maharashtra, 1 in Tamil Nadu
- UNESCO Criteria Met: (ii), (iii), and (iv) – cultural significance, architectural innovation, and landscape integration
Historical Significance:
- Associated with ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharaj and successive Maratha rulers
- Represents military strategy, hill-top fortification, use of natural geography, and regional defense networks
- Linked to Maratha ideals of swarajya (self-rule), social justice, and military decentralization
Forts Included (examples):
- Raigad Fort – Capital of ShivajiMaharaj
- Sinhagad, Rajgad, Torna, Pratapgad, etc. – Strategically located hill forts
- Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu – One of the rare southern Maratha forts
Relevance to UNESCO World Heritage List:
- Showcases indigenous architectural style adapted to topography and climate
- Recognizes Maratha contribution to regional architecture, military engineering, and cultural landscapes
India's World Heritage Status:
- With this addition, India now has 42 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List (cultural + natural + mixed)
- Reinforces India’s diversity in tangible cultural heritage
Government Initiatives:
- AdarshSmarak Scheme, Swadesh Darshan, and PRASHAD – for heritage conservation and tourism
- National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) – documentation and preservation support
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